Gardiners Run - Review July 9th 2026
🧑 Reviewer
Reviewer Name: James Golding
⛳ Course Details
Course Name: Gardiners Run
Location: Lilydale/Victoria/Australia
Date Played: 09/07/2026
Number of Holes Played: 18
Par for Holes Played: 72
Tees Played From: Blue
Format of Play: Match Play
Time to Complete Round: 4 hrs 22 mins
Green Fee Type: Off-peak On-line
Green Fees Paid: $57.50
Cart Cost (if used):
Currency: AUD
Conditions at Time of Play:
Cold morning 6 Celsius when we hit off at 10:50am but clear blue skies with no wind.
The course was not as busy as we expected and we walked the course. Got warmer on the back 9 and was lovely under the sun and dare I say a little warm.
⭐ Overall Rating
The course was in very good condition, wet off the fairway but good drainage made it a pleasure to play in the depth of winter.
Well maintained course, beautiful clubhouse areas with large chipping and putting green, driving nets and a range.
Well designed, well laid out and thoroughly enjoyable course to play.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (X/10)
📊 RATINGS SUMMARY
| Category | Rating | Notes (optional but encouraged) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Condition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8.5/10) | Well maintained and playable course. |
| Difficulty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10) |
Some wider fairways but plenty of bunkers around greens and strategically placed on fairways. Contours on the course add to the difficulty. |
| Tee Condition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (9/10) | Very good condition. |
| Fairway Condition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (9/10) | Short, running and in great condition. Firmer on the back 9. |
| Green Condition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8.5/10) | Soft to land on but they run true. Not the most difficult greens and quite large but still a challenge. Well maintained. |
| Bunker Condition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10) | Good, raked and playable. A few kangaroo prints but that can't be avoided. |
| Clubhouse/ Bar & Food | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10) | Comfortable, not really advertising if they have food or not but you could smell fried food, see sandwiches and muffins. |
| Pro Shop Experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10) | Good, they ensured we only paid what we were told when making the phone booking. |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8.5/10) | I think the it is very good value for a high standard golf course that is well maintained. |
Would you play here again?
✅ Yes /
I have played here many times and will again. It is always in good condition, plays well and is well priced.
📝 THE REVIEW
First Impressions & Standout Features
The area you walk into when arriving at this course is always welcoming and one of the nicest around. The clubhouse, lake, large putting and chipping green in an almost amphitheatre setting is beautiful.
The fact that the course was so dry was a real standout today.
Best Holes or Memorable Moments
I like the long par 5 2nd, followed by a lovely looking shortish par 3 3rd. The 5th is the test - a shortish par 4 but from a very elevated tee position and extremely well placed bunkers. Makes you go for it but only the highly skilled will get there.
The 18th is a stunning finishing hole for me. An uphill drive then over the hill is a drop down overlooking the 18th green, guarded on the left by a lake and the lovely clubhouse behind it.
Winning our match play on hole 13 was a highlight.
💬 General comments or suggestions
Get golfers back into the habit of repairing pitch marks on greens. Move the ball washers back so as those playing the blues get to use them before teeing off.
I loved the new rake holders for the bunkers.
📸 COURSE PHOTOS
🎥 VIDEO (optional)
🗺️ COURSE LOCATION
🔁 Previously reviewed
